Abu leader killed in Sulu clash

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – An Abu Sayyaf leader and a soldier were killed and another wounded in clashes with government troops in Padang town, Sulu, the military said yesterday

Col. Alan Arrojado, commander of Joint Task Group Sulu, said Sihata Muallom Asmad, alias Sihata Latip, was killed in a firefight with government troops and policemen in Barangay Duyan Kaha, Parang on Saturday.

Officials said Asmad fought it out with lawmen serving a warrant for his arrest.

Asmad was involved in the kidnapping of 15 coconut farmers in Basilan in 2001 and the kidnapping of 20 tourists, including three Americans.

Asmad has a bounty of P5.3 million for his capture for his involvement in the kidnapping of a Taiwanese woman and the murder of her husband in a resort in Sabah in 2013.

He was also involved in the kidnapping of a German couple that was released last Oct. 7 allegedly after payment of P250-million ransom.

Security forces are hunting down the Abu Sayyaf gunmen involved in the kidnapping of the German couple in Sulu. – Cecille Suerte Felipe